Ed Tuttle’s illustrations are gorgeous, varied, and full of life, stirring a sense of motion and discovery as the reader turns the pages, though it’s tempting to linger over spreads like the one depicting a bevy of birds feasting at a feeder, complete with an inset depiction of a budding tree leaf, which anticipates the story’s next development and ties directly into the text. The art is matched by prose that’s rich with lively, inviting description: a cardinal’s feathers are “the color of Nonni’s tomato sauce” and his eyes “are pin dots, black as the tar of her driveway.”
Young naturalists and fans of evocative language will appreciate the beauty and lessons in this heartfelt and informational book. Paidas’s writing style and penchant for complex and descriptive words (“captivated,” “inquisitive,”) could put off or confuse younger readers, but for older kids provides ample opportunity for discussion about the new words. Perfect for reading aloud, with its rhythmic and almost poetic cadence and writing style, Wheet, Wheet, and Repeat! is a fantastic addition to any bookshelf, especially when looking for seasonal books, books about nature, and books with realistic details.
Takeaway: This vivid story of bird-watching invites young readers to relish nature and learn from the world around them.
Great for fans of: David Opie’s All the Birds in the World, Megan Wagner Lloyd’s Finding Wild.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
